AKA

Dricus
"Stillknocks"
Du Plessis

Stats

Fighting style: MMA
Stance: Switch
Division: Middleweight
Height: 6' 1"
Reach: 76"
Leg reach: 43.00
Weight: 185 lbs.
Team: Team CIT MMA
Nationality: Welkom, South Africa
Age: 30

Accolades

Recent win streak: 4
Wins by KO: 7
Wins by submission: 9
Avg. Sig. Strikes Per Event: 66.5

ATHLETE METRICS

STRIKING ACCURACY

Significant Strikes Attempted: 1038
Significant Strikes Landed: 520

TAKEDOWN ACCURACY

Takedowns Attempted: 31
Takedowns Landed: 2

BIOGRAPHY

Born on January 14, 1994, Dricus du Plessis is a true embodiment of fighting spirit and determination that exemplify great athletes. This South African native stands as one of the most recognized and celebrated professionals in the world of mixed martial arts. He currently plies his trade in the Middleweight division of the globally renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His journey from the Africana- populated region of Hatfield, Pretoria to the UFC’s international stage speaks volumes about his passion, focus, and dedication to the sport he loves.

With his early induction into combat sports, beginning with Judo training at five, wrestling at twelve, and kickboxing at fourteen, Du Plessis fostered his fighting skills from a tender age. These early endeavours set the stage for a prodigious career. His proficiency in kickboxing culminated in 2012 when he won a gold medal at the WAKO World Championships in the K-1 style. This victory was a milestone, as it established him as the first South African medalist at this Championship, which prompted his venture into mixed martial arts, a decision fueled by the lure of a more profitable career.

Before his professional debut in 2013, Du Plessis engaged in three amateur wrestling events, providing a vital stepping stone in his transition to the professional scene. Despite the early loss to the future UFC fighter, Garreth McLellan during his time at the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), he remained undeterred and even more determined to succeed, eventually turning that defeat into fuel for his subsequent victories. In 2015, he moved to the welterweight division and went on to dominate with an impressive 3-0 performance that same year. His first title, the EFC Welterweight Championship, came when he outsmarted Martin Van Staden with a guillotine choke submission.

Further triumphs in 2017 saw Du Plessis defeat Brazilian Mauricio Da Rocha Jr. in a welterweight contest, and later, Yannick Bahati, to claim the EFC Middleweight Championship, thus making him a two-class champion within the EFC. In 2018, he dethroned the reigning KSW Welterweight Champion Roberto Soldic via TKO after dropping him with a left hook.

Expanding his horizons, Du Plessis ventured into the UFC in October 2020, debuting on the global stage by defeating Markus Perez. Successive victories against Trevin Giles and Brad Tavares succeeded this debut, anchoring his name in the UFC rankings. However, setbacks occurred; namely, a wrist injury for his scheduled opponent Chris Curtis and Visa issues prompting the cancellation of his fight against Gastelum. Despite these setbacks, he persevered, winning against Darren Till and later, victory via technical knockout against Derek Brunson.

His upward trajectory in the UFC culminated in a showdown with Robert Whittaker, the former UFC Middleweight champion, in July 2023. This crucial victory resulted in Du Plessis earning the Performance of the Night award and secured his status as the number one contender in the Middleweight division. He was soon scheduled to face Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship, but an unanticipated injury saw him pull out of the fight.

With Sean Strickland stepping up to replace him, the table was set for the two to face for the UFC Middleweight Championship in January 2024. Tense moments led up to this fight, with a brawl breaking out when the pair attended an earlier UFC 296 event. Fortunately, the conflict was quickly diffused, showcasing the intensity and passion that surrounds these high-profile events.

An undeniable force in the competitive world of mixed martial arts, Dricus du Plessis’ journey provides an inspiring narrative about the power of resilience, focus, and an indomitable spirit. This multifaceted athlete continues to represent his team, CIT MMA, and his country, South Africa, exhibiting his skill and talent in one of the most demanding sports worldwide. His tale serves as a poignant reminder that the path to success is often marred by numerous challenges and setbacks; it is how one responds to these adversities that truly defines their character and potential.

Fight History

Israel Adesanya
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by Submission in Round 4 @ 3:38
Sat. Aug 17, 2024
UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya
305
Sean Strickland
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by Split Decision in Round 5
Sat. Jan 20, 2024
UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis
297
Robert Whittaker
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by KO/TKO in Round 2 @ 2:23
Sat. Jul 08, 2023
UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez
290
Derek Brunson
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by KO/TKO in Round 2 @ 4:59
Sat. Mar 04, 2023
UFC 285: Jones vs. Gane
285
Darren Till
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by Submission in Round 3 @ 2:43
Sat. Dec 10, 2022
UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev
282
Brad Tavares
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by Unanimous Decision in Round 3
Sat. Jul 02, 2022
UFC 276: Adesanya vs. Cannonier
276
Trevin Giles
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by KO/TKO in Round 2
Sat. Jul 10, 2021
UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3
264
Markus Perez
Dricus Du Plessis: Winner
by in Round @ 3:22
Sat. Oct 10, 2020
UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What Is The Record Of Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis holds a record of 20 wins and 2 losses in his career as a professional MMA fighter.

What Is The Height Of Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches.

Who Would Win In A Fight Between Dricus Du Plessis And Robert Whittaker?
As a UFC journalist, I cannot predict who would win in a fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Robert Whittaker as matches can be unpredictable and outcomes can depend on various factors.

What Is Dricus Du Plessis' Record On Sherdog?
As a UFC journalist, I am unable to provide Dricus Du Plessis' record on Sherdog as it's constantly changing due to ongoing fights and the specifics are not stated in the provided context.

Who Is Dricus Du Plessis In UFC?
Dricus Du Plessis is a South African mixed martial arts competitor in the UFC, who made a record in 2012 by becoming the first South African to hold the K-1 World Champion under the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).

What Is The Nature Of Dricus Du Plessis' Injury?
The nature of Dricus Du Plessis' injury is unknown.

What Are The Highlights Of Dricus Du Plessis's Career?
The highlights of Dricus Du Plessis's career include winning the EFC Middleweight and KSW Welterweight Championships, successfully defending his EFC title once, and earning Performance of the Night in UFC twice against Trevin Giles and Robert Whittaker.

Who Is Dricus Du Plessis Strickland?
Unknown

What Is Dricus Du Plessis's Record On Tapology?
Dricus Du Plessis's record on Tapology is 20-2-0.

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